beating
UK: ˈbiːtɪŋ | US: ˈbiːtɪŋ
n. the act of striking repeatedly
n. a defeat in a game or competition
n. rhythmic pulsation (e.g., of the heart)
The word "beating" originates from the Old English bēatan, meaning "to strike," which traces back to Proto-Germanic bautan. The suffix -ing is a productive English nominalizer, turning verbs into nouns denoting action or result. The core concept of repeated striking (physical or metaphorical) has persisted through its evolution, extending to contexts like competitive defeats or rhythmic motions.
The drummers kept a steady beating rhythm.
The team suffered a brutal beating in the finals.
She could hear the beating of her own heart.
The rain was beating against the window all night.
His argument took a beating during the debate.